Flag of Myanmar
In most Western countries Myanmar is known as Burma, as the country was named until the military regime changed it in 1989. In protest of this regime many Western countries refused to refer to the country by its new name. However, with the recent democratisation in Myanmar, objections to this name are fading.
Map of Myanmar
A Burmese culture and language developed in the 10th century from Tibeto-Siamese tribes. From the 15th to 19th centuries, two major Burmese Kingdoms - the Taungdoo and Konbaung dynasties - formed large empires with borders stretching to present-day Laos and Cambodia. The rivalry with Siam led to many wars, one of which forced the Siamese to move their capital from Ayuthaya to Bangkok.
The Taungoo Empire in 1580
The British fought 3 wars against the Burmese in the 19th century, resulting in the complete annexation of Burma into British India by 1885. The Burmese resisted British and Indian influence and there were many insurgencies. During WW2 the Japanese made use of the situation and allied with Burmese nationalists to invade the area. After WW2 Burma was briefly restored to British India but became independent in 1947.
Initially Burma was a democracy, but poor and unstable. A coup in 1962 brought the military in power and Burma became a very closed country. Its most prominent opposition leader is Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Burmese communist resistance leader Aung San who was assassinated by political rivals when she was 2 years old. After years of peaceful protest, the military regime allowed for the first democratic elections in 2015, which Aung San Suu Kyi won. The recent development will open the country's economy with prospects to develop just like Thailand.
Currency
Burma introduced the Kyat in 1855, with a silver Kyat equal to the Rupee and a Gold Kyat equal to 16 silver Kyats. The Kyat was subdivided in 5 Mat, 10 Mu, 20 Pe or 80 Pyas. In 1885 the British replaced the Kyat with the Rupee.
After independence the Indian Rupee was replaced by the Burmese Rupee at par, divided in 16 Pe or 64 Pyas. In 1952 a decimalised Kyat was introduced at par subdivided in 100 Pyas. Its value was 13 1/3 to sterling or around 4.8 to USD. An official rate of around 6 Kyat/$ was maintained for decades but on the black market the Kyat lost value consistently. The official rate was abolished in the 1990's, and over the years chronic inflation has lowered the Kyat's value to 1,290 Kyat/$.
Coins
In the 19th century copper, silver and gold coinage was produced for the part of Burma that was still independent from Britain.
Burmese Rupee coins up to 8 Pe circulated from 1948 to 1952. From 1952 to from 1966 decimalised Kyat coins circulated. These 2 series can be recognised by the depiction of the Burmese lion. In 1966 an aluminium series was introduced depicting General Aung San, architect of Burmese independence.
In the 1970's and 80's a new series was put in circulation, with a hexagonal 25 Pyas replacing the round as it caused confusion with the 50 Pyas coin. Sharp inflation followed leading to higher denominations from 1 to 100 Kyat introduced in 1999. These still circulate in present day, although the 100 Kyat coin is worth only 8 US cents.
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/myanmar-1.html
